Boston, MA — Monica Cannon-Grant, a prominent Boston Black Lives Matter activist, is expected to plead guilty to federal fraud charges related to a scheme in which she and her late husband allegedly defrauded donors of more than $1 million, according to multiple reports.
Federal prosecutors allege that Cannon-Grant and her husband used funds meant for community programs and charitable causes to bankroll a lavish personal lifestyle. The couple allegedly misused grant money, charitable donations, and pandemic relief funds for personal expenses including vacations, restaurant meals, car rentals, and luxury shopping.
Cannon-Grant, the founder of the now-defunct nonprofit Violence in Boston, was initially celebrated for her activism and grassroots efforts to reduce violence in the city. However, investigators say that behind the scenes, the nonprofit was used as a vehicle for fraud, with falsified records and deceptive practices designed to mislead both donors and government agencies.
Her husband, Clark Grant, was also facing federal charges but passed away earlier this year.
Cannon-Grant previously pleaded not guilty and maintained her innocence publicly. However, sources now confirm that a plea deal is expected in the coming days. The agreement could include restitution and potential prison time, though specific terms have not yet been disclosed.
The case has sent shockwaves through Boston’s activist community, raising broader concerns about oversight and accountability in nonprofit organizations.
A formal change-of-plea hearing has not yet been scheduled, but legal analysts say Cannon-Grant’s expected guilty plea marks a dramatic fall from grace for someone once hailed as a leading voice for social justice in the region.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
